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Can’t Fight Against The Youth

I’ve always been a big fan of subcultures, in fact I’ve identified with quite a few of them over the years. Recently though, I came across a subculture that really got my full attention: the Teddy girls. I was quite surprised when I discovered that they were in fact the first British female youth subculture. After doing some research, what struck me the most was the fact that their choice of clothes wasn’t only for aesthetic effect, these girls were collectively rejecting post-war austerity. Teddy girls wore drape jackets, pencil skirts, hobble skirts, long plaits, rolled-up jeans, flat shoes, tailored jackets with velvet collars, straw boater hats, cameo brooches, espadrilles, coolie hats and long, elegant clutch bags. Later they adopted the American fashions of toreador pants, voluminous circle skirts, and hair in ponytails. Teddy Girls were rarely seen without and umbrella which was rumored they never open even in pouring rain.* The most part of this “Teddy fashion” was inspired by the Edwardian period during the early years of the 20th century, so it was quite hip in those times to wear loose fitting, velvet-collared jackets and narrow trousers, with 1950’s variations. Nevertheless, I find this period quite fascinating and such a big inspiration for an everyday outfit.

Wow I’m so in love with your hair! This shade of red looks amazing with your pale complexion! And so does the dark blue velvet of the pants! Very pretty look from head to toe!
The story about the umbrellas is interesting! I’ve never heard of Teddy Girls before, such a cool post-war movement! I always wonder if recent trends and fashions will be considered as a movement in the future too.